Warming up a gray room: 9 ideas for an easy restyling

Is it possible warming up a gray room?

A few years ago, cool-toned gray became one of the most popular trends in interior design.

Elegant, neutral, and incredibly versatile, it became the go-to base for minimalist, modern, and sophisticated spaces.

Floors, walls, furniture, and finishes: everything was in shades of gray and white!

But when gray takes over completely, it can sometimes feel cold or monotonous, especially in lived-in spaces like the living room or bedroom.

If you also fell in love with this trend but now want to warm things up a bit without having to change everything, you’re in the right place!

Today, I’m sharing 9 easy ideas that will help you warming up a gray room and make it more inviting!

1 – ADD WARM COLORS

In interior design, there is a common belief that one should not mix warm and cool colors.

But that is not true.

A room filled only with cool tones can feel uninviting, while one with only warm tones might feel heavy or overwhelming.

It is perfectly fine to favor one over the other since there is a bit of balance.

That balance adds depth and visual interest to the space.

And do not worry: using warm colors does not mean you have to go bold with red or orange.

If you prefer neutrals, you can choose ones with warm undertones.

Think tobacco brown, beige, olive green, or even rust.

Distribute these tones strategically, starting with small decorative accents and gradually working your way up to wall colors or even a standout furniture piece.

(credits: Birgitta Wolfgang)

2 – ADD THE NATURAL WARMTH OF WOOD

Wood is one of the most effective materials for visually warming up a space.

Of course, you don’t need to replace all your furniture if it’s gray or white: adding a few wooden pieces, like a side table, nightstand, or accent chair, is enough to warm up the space.

Even small additions like these can make a big difference in how warm and welcoming the space feels!

If those pieces seem too large, you can still bring in wood through trays, picture frames, or other small decorative objects.

Never underestimate the power of well-placed accessories—these little details instantly add warmth and depth to the room.

The contrast with wood, especially in honey, walnut, or oak tones, creates a beautifully balanced and refined look in a gray interior.

(credits: Etsy; cocolapinedesign.com)

3 – ADD BASKETS

It’s amazing how such simple items can make a significant impact in a space!

Like wood, wicker instantly adds warmth and texture to a room.

Baskets are both decorative and highly functional.

Think of a small wicker box or basket on a bookshelf where you can store items you’d rather keep out of sight.

Or place a larger one near the sofa to hold magazines or a cozy blanket that’s ready whenever you need it!

(credits: cherishedbliss.com; pinimg.com)

4 – USE TEXTILES

Another great way to warm up a space is through textiles!

Curtains, blankets, pillows, and rugs are impressive tools that can completely change the feel of a room.

Mix textures by combining light fabrics like cotton and linen with richer ones like velvet, wool, or bouclé.

Textiles are also a perfect way to introduce warm tones without dulling the beauty of gray.

As you probably already know, adding a few pillows and throws—without overdoing it—instantly makes beds and sofas feel cozier and more inviting.

Layering textiles also brings a sense of comfort and intimacy to the space.

And if your floors are gray, which is often the case, rugs are a fantastic way to warm them up.

A large rug in a warm, neutral tone can make an immediate and dramatic difference.

And best of all, you won’t have to change your floors!

(credits: canva; desenio.it)

5 – LIGHTING

In general, at home, one should avoid cool lighting, but I’ve often said that, for general lighting, neutral white (between 4000 and 5000 Kelvin) can sometimes work.

However, even neutral light tends to feel cold and uninviting in a gray room.

Warm light (2700–3000 Kelvin) is the best choice for gray interiors.

Also, consider using fabric or frosted glass lampshades to diffuse the light and make it softer and more pleasant.

And don’t forget to layer your lighting!

If having multiple light sources is always important, it becomes essential in gray spaces.

Layered lighting adds depth and rhythm and makes the space feel warmer and more welcoming.

(credits: learncalifornia.org)

6 – CANDLES

Candles are another simple yet powerful way to instantly warm up any space, regardless of the style or color scheme.

Their soft glow and flickering flame naturally evoke warmth and relaxation.

They don’t have to be scented, and they don’t even have to be real!

Battery-operated candles that mimic the look of real ones can create the same cozy atmosphere.

Candles are small details that can make a huge impact—whether real or faux: if you choose them well, they can be just as decorative as they are comforting.

(credits: hudsonhome.co.uk; cozyandhome.com)

7 – CONTRASTING TEXTURES AND MATERIALS

Another effective way to warm up a gray space is by adding material contrast.

That means mixing smooth surfaces with rougher or more natural ones, like handcrafted ceramics or aged metal.

These contrasts add rhythm and break up visual monotony.

Unglazed ceramics, for example, often have warm, earthy tones like brown or terracotta, which naturally introduce warmth into the room.

But even if you prefer cooler-colored ceramics, their raw texture can still make a big difference.

Also, opt for matte finishes instead of glossy ones—matte surfaces absorb light and help create a cozier feel.

All these details not only warm up the space but also make it much more visually interesting.

(credits: archilovers.com; casarefined.com)

8 – BE MINDFUL OF METALS

Pay attention to the types of metals you have in your home.

Handles, side tables, lamps, towel racks, and mirrors often include metal details that can influence the overall feel of a room.

In a predominantly gray space, it’s best to go with warm, matte metals—like gold, bronze, or copper—which help brighten and warm up the environment.

An easy and affordable way to do this is by swapping out cabinet handles, adding a few metallic lamps, or even incorporating simple metal candleholders.

(credits: learncalifornia.org; courtneysworld.co)

9 – PLANTS

That’s right—plants had to make the list!

They bring a natural pop of color and instantly add life and movement to any space.

Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to use terracotta pots or woven baskets as planters, right?

(credits: httpsgardeningolivia.com; makingyourhomebeautiful.com)

As you can see, warming up and enhancing a gray space doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with small touches—like textiles or decorative accents—and see how the space feels.

You can always add more over time, like wall colors or bolder pieces, as you gain confidence!

I hope you enjoyed this article about warming up a gray room and found it helpful.

If so, don’t hesitate to share it with someone you think might be interested; I would be honored, and it will help me get known.

If you feel that your home, or any part of it, doesn’t reflect you enough, don’t wait any longer: fall in love with your place again and book your consultancy!

This post is also available in: Italian